Laverne Cox: Art has consistently saved my life

Orange is the New Black season four is finally upon us (and keep your eyes peeled for some OITNB content headed your way soon), and even though she didn’t have a lot of screen time this season, Laverne Cox is a key element of Netflix’s hit show.

Laverne spoke to NBC OUT while at the #LoveTravels art installation at D.C pride earlier this month. Before going on to explain a piece she created for the installation, Laverne said: “Art has consistently saved my life and sustained me.”

“Fists…are about solidarity, empowerment and liberation. I love that the fist is on the transgender flag. As a black woman, the intersection of black power with trans power, feels powerful and amazing. I’ve written ‘Stay in the Love’ on this piece…to encourage all of my artistic friends to remember why we started being artists in the first place: because we love the arts.”

While Laverne undoubtedly made her mark in the hearts and minds of the world thanks to her turn as Sophia in Orange is the New Black, her career path has only just begun. She is moving to Los Angeles in July to film the legal drama Doubt, which will co-star Katherine Heigl.

Various reports have said that Laverne is playing a trans attorney, making her the first transgender series regular on a national broadcast television show.

Touching on these reports, Laverne said: “I think there have been a lot of [transgender] actors before me and there will be many after me, and hopefully the opportunities will be even better.”

What about her love life, you might be wondering?

“I think that love is healing, and I certainly want love in my life and I want a special somebody to love and care for me. It is wonderful that marriage equality is the law of the land, but … I don’t think it’s an institution for me. It’s a huge responsibility to raise kids, and I am [still] trying to re-parent my inner child.”

Well done to Laverne for taking the time for herself. She deserves it, given how long she probably fought to get to where she is now.